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Aptera has refunded deposits for its electric car, and it has continuously delayed launch. Photo by Aptera

Aptera refunds deposits, future unclear

August 14, 2011

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Those who have been waiting for their Aptera electric cars since 2008 are in for more bad news: The Carlsbad, Calif.-based company is returning all deposits made by customers who signed up to buy the Aptera 2e all-electric car or the 2h hybrid model.

Aptera rose to prominence in the green-car world by entering the Automotive X Prize in 2008. The company's two-seat, three-wheel commuter vehicle was claimed to get 300 mpg, at a price of less than $30,000.

The vehicle was said to be headed toward production in December of that year. But, in late 2009, the car still had not been produced, a result of money troubles and engineering changes. The company readjusted and estimated the vehicle would be available in 2010.

Now, Aptera says it is returning deposits because of a problem with its credit-card processor, which is designed for transactions to be completed in a six-month window-- far exceeded by the prolonged production time of the vehicle.Aptera issued a statement last week saying, in part: “Reservation-holder contact information will be moved to our newly created VIP database and used to provide you with exclusive information about future happenings at Aptera.

“As our production date approaches, we will use the database to direct you to your local retailer so you can be among the first to own an Aptera vehicle.”